British Youth Sailing launches Recognised Windsurf Clubs
by British Youth Sailing 16 Jun 2021 18:45 NZST
Techno 293s training in Poole Harbour © David Harding /
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British Youth Sailing is aiming to provide a clearer pathway for young windsurfers with the addition of a new 'Recognised Windsurf Club' status.
The new award will form part of the successful British Youth Sailing (BYS) Recognised Club scheme that was set up in June 2018.
Falling in line with the BYS vision to increase the number of young people sailing and windsurfing in each RYA region, the BYS Recognised Windsurf Club will continue to support clubs and club coaches delivering training in fun and safe environments.
One of the main objectives of BYS Recognised Windsurf Clubs is to help provide a clear pathway from starting windsurfing to develop and progress core windsurfing skills within a club environment.
BYS Recognised Windsurf Clubs are also encouraged to engage with and participate within their local regional Interclub Series and open training opportunities.
Administration and management of the current Team15 Interclub Series has been transferred to the Bic Techno 293 Class Association as part of the restructure. The class association is committed to providing local racing and Open Training in each of the RYA Regions.
"We are very excited to align windsurfing with the work we are doing across the sport," said Mark Nicholls, RYA Youth Racing Manager. "We have seen that it works with dinghy sailing and racing in the youth pathway so adapting the scheme to include boards is a natural progression.
"There will be a transition over this year with regards to the Interclub events and regional series with the Bic Techno 293 Class Association but this move is a very positive one.
"The Interclub series will become self-sustaining, and the class will be able to engage and support more young windsurfers at a local level which will go hand in hand with the RYA pathway to boost windsurfing numbers at grass roots."
Windsurfing activity will be developed within the new club scheme with the support of the RYA and the Regional Performance Managers who will offer club training and support for instructors and coaches. Existing Team15 clubs will be adopted into the new club programme automatically.
For more information contact Chris Blackburn, junior windsurfing lead at the RYA, on .